NAGAFF Compliance Team Warns NDLEA and Plant Quarantine Service Against Stealing Items from Examination Bays

NAGAFF Compliance Team Warns NDLEA and Plant Quarantine Service Against Stealing Items from Examination Bays

NAGAFF 100% Compliance National Coordinator,Dr Ibrahim Tanko

By Frank Odinukaeze

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has issued a stern warning to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) to cease the alleged theft of items from examination bays under the guise of sampling. The team has resolved to put an end to what it describes as “rampant stealing.”

In a letter addressed to the NDLEA and PQS, and signed by the Coordinator of the Compliance Team, Hon. (Dr.) Ibrahim Tanko, NAGAFF highlighted the significant financial losses suffered by importers and freight forwarders due to these practices. Dr. Tanko emphasized that the members of NAGAFF can no longer endure the negative reputation and distrust from their clients, who accuse them of theft due to missing items from their containers.

Dr. Tanko clarified that, according to statutory regulations, only the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) are authorized to collect samples, and this must be done with signed sampling forms. He warned that the NAGAFF Compliance Office would henceforth resist any illegal sampling practices and report such incidents to the Port Police.

The letter from NAGAFF reads in part: “We write to notify you of our resolve to put a stop to the rampant stealing of items from containers during customs examination in the name of sampling. We note with displeasure the loss of millions of Naira following complaints from our members and importers as a result of sampling. We cannot cope with the disdain with which our clients tar us with the brush of thieves for the missing items in their boxes.”

NAGAFF’s firm stance aims to protect the interests of importers and freight forwarders, ensuring that only authorized agencies conduct sampling in a transparent and accountable manner. The association’s commitment to addressing these issues underscores its dedication to maintaining integrity and trust within the maritime and logistics industry